Fujifilm X10 'Orbs' Investigated. Does the Firmware Fix Work?

It didn't take long once samples of the Fujifilm X10 were out in the wild for reports to start surfacing of a strange and unwelcome phenomenon in images taken in certain conditions. Colloquially known as 'white orbs' or 'white discs' the problem describes the peculiar circular, hard-edged appearance of clipped specular highlights in images taken on the X10. The effect is unpredictable, but virtually unavoidable in some situations (low light cityscapes for example) and impossible to ignore once you notice it. The table below shows what we're talking about - this is the same scene, shot at identical settings. The Fujifilm X10 is on the left, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 (one of many examples we could have used here) is on the right.

Fujifilm X10, ISO 100, f/5 0.8sec

Panasonic LX5, ISO 100, f/5 0.8sec

We mentioned this issue when we included the X10 in our pre-Christmas roundup of high-end enthusiast compact cameras, and have since reported on Fujifilm's announcement of an upcoming firmware release to address the problem. In the meantime we had no option but to put our in-depth review of the X10 on hold until the new firmware was available in case it made a significant difference to image quality.

As soon as the new firmware (version 1.03) became available a couple of weeks ago we loaded it up on our test camera and started shooting. Here's what we found.

The Tests

In our shooting with the X10, we had already established that white orbs aren't a problem in every single exposure. Far from it. In fact, depending on the sort of photography that you do, you may encounter the problem rarely, if ever. This is important to bear in mind, especially since the images you're about to see were shot in conditions specifically designed to highlight the issue. As such, these samples should not be regarded as representative of the X10's image quality in day-to-day use.

For the purposes of this exercise - to see whether firmware version 1.03 reduces or solves the orbs issue - we set up a controlled studio test.

Studio Scene: ISO Sensitivity

There are two light sources in this scene - a pen-light, to provide a point reflection on the metal frame and balls in the Newton's cradle on the left, and a low-intensity tungsten bulb on the right, for light relief.

We used one camera, and shot one set of images using firmware version 1.02 and then updated to firmware 1.03 and took another set. The camera was tripod-mounted, and white balance was set manually to 2800K.

The first set of images is a simple run up the X10's ISO sensitivity settings, from ISO 100-3200, at its full resolution of 12MP. DR was set to 100%. Images taken with the older firmware version 1.02 are on the left, and the new firmware is on the right. All other settings are identical.

ISO 100, 12MP, firmware v.1.02

ISO 100, 12MP, firmware v.1.03

ISO 200, 12MP, firmware v.1.02

ISO 200, 12MP, firmware v.1.03

ISO 400, 12MP, firmware v.1.02

ISO 400, 12MP, firmware v.1.03

ISO 800, 12MP, firmware v.1.02

ISO 800, 12MP, firmware v.1.03

ISO 1600, 12MP, firmware v.1.02

ISO 1600, 12MP, firmware v.1.03

ISO 3200, 12MP, firmware v.1.02

ISO 3200, 12MP, firmware v.1.03

As you can see, white discs are very obvious around point highlights in images shot with both the new and old firmware at ISO 100 and 200. As we move higher up the ISO scale the effect is reduced until by ISO 800 we wouldn't really consider it to be problematic. Highlights are blown, but lack the unpleasant hard edge which looks so artificial in lower ISO images. The new firmware appears to have little or no material effect on the appearance of the 'orbs' in this scene.

Such a shame. I really like the the design of this camera, it's a like an amped up LX-5, which is already a really capable camera. The current sensor situation looks like a lost cause, but I hope they persist with this form factor with an improved sensor in the future.

The firmware fix was in EXR AUTO only. They "fixed" it by raising the ISO more than normal. Since you can manipulate ISO yourself in other setting like P,A,S,M, firmware 1.03 does nothing. Face it, there is no fix. Get a different camera.

What I still don't understand is how Fuji could say with a straight face that the new firmware does not solve but mitigate the orbs problem. They look identical and it must have been obvious to them!!!Have you guys asked Fuji about this?

From what some people have said they DO mitigate it in EXR Auto (which I don't use), but they basically do this by cheating: simply forcing the camera to use the higher ISOs at which the orbs are less apparent. And that of course, negates the fast lens and gives you extra noise.

That seems to be why they were careful to talk ONLY about EXR Auto mode in their firmware release notes. For me, this amounts to a deliberate attempt to mislead. Not an accident.

Could you maybe try EXR auto in the same shot on the two firmwares and see what ISO you get? Or doesn't that work? Thanks again for the tests. I own this camera and have been very depressed with it ... as some may have noticed.

I Just ran through another quick test and I'm getting what we've got multiple times before - no clear evidence of a higher ISO bias in EXR Auto mode with the new firmware. It's not impossible, but I can't replicate it in our test environment. There's more work to be done ;)

Gary, that's a bad experience!Next time when you buy a new camera, check the reviews from different sources before you made the decision. Even though in the film era, people would not buy the camera when the model was just released; people would wait for a while until the hidden problems were unveiled and fixed.

And the most interesting thing that you have added to the debate is that there's an apparent inconsistency in camera manufacturing that makes it a bit of a crap shoot how bad the problem will be for you.

The fact that camera A and B give inconsistent results may indicate firmware update might not be solution at all or that there is at least camera C for which 1.03 fw works, but obviously not for A and B. Tough one for Fuji.

The issue for me is the response from Fuji. X = better or pro performance. X100 users are also miffed at lack of Marketing/ Technical response to their manual focus issues. The whole X deal may flop if they do not do what is right.

Photoshop. GoPro. Every once in a while a product emerges that defines a category. And sometimes, it vanishes just as quickly as it arrived on the scene. This week's Throwback Thursday remembers the Flip, the pocket camcorder everyone had – until they didn't.

After a popular Facebook teaser and some studio portrait samples, Godox has finally officially released the Godox A1 smartphone flash and flash trigger. Cheap, versatile and innovative, color us intrigued.

Canon’s EOS 5D Mk IV has won the European Imaging and Sound Association’s Professional DSLR of the Year award, making this the third year in a row that the brand has beaten Nikon to the top spot in the professional camera category.

Edward Weston was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, and in this episode of Advancing Your Photography we learn the extreme technique he used to capture one of his most famous still life photos.

Venus Optics has announced the price and delivery date of the second lens to join its Zero-D line up: the 15mm F2 for Sony’s E mount. A lens they've dubbed, "the world's fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame."

The Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM is an understated jewel of a lens, and one that we've enjoyed on a variety of cameras since its release almost five years ago. Its relatively small size and image stabilization make it a versatile tool for a variety of photography - check out our sample gallery.

You don't need a fancy studio or tons of gear to capture the kind of classic product photography you see in magazines. In this video, Dustin Dolby shows you how to do it with just a couple of speedlights and some know-how.

The Minolta MC Rokkor-X 40-80mm F2.8 is unlike any zoom lens you've probably ever seen. Instead of a helicoid, it uses a gearbox, and because of this it's still one of the sharpest zoom lenses out there.

If you're looking to switch to Sony, the company's new limited-time "α trade up" promotion can snag you up to $500 + trade-in value towards a brand new a9, a7 II, a7R II, or a7S II when you hand over your DSLR or mirrorless camera.

The Google Camera app exclusive to the company's own Pixel phone has been unofficially ported to other Android devices. If you're willing to take the risk of installing, you can now use features like HDR+ on the Galaxy S8, LG G6, OnePlus 5, and more.